Emma J. Nisley Graber

Emma J. Nisley Graber, 77, of Goshen, died Monday morning, January 17, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family.  She fought a courageous battle with cancer since Thanksgiving. She was born June 5, 1933 in LaGrange, to the late Jacob and Annie (Schmucker) Eash.  On March 15, 1956 she married Rufus L. Nisley in LaGrange.  He died April 8, 2000.  She later married Lewis Graber on August 25, 2007.  He survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Carolyn Moses of Middlebury; two sons, Lester Wayne Nisley of Maricopa, Arizona, and Gary (Margie) Nisley of Goshen; six step-children, Vernon (Connie) Graber, LaVonne Ernst and Kevin (Donna Graber, all of Goshen, Nancy (Robert) McGrath of Jacksonville, Florida, Deloris (Bill) Hoover and George (Kenlyn) Graber, both of New Paris; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Ida Byers of Goshen, Katie Schrock of Eustis, Florida, and Esther Eash of LaGrange. She was preceded in death by a sister, Polly Wilson on August 1, 2010, and a stepson, Curt Graber on January 12, 1990. A homemaker, Mrs. Graber worked as a cook at Greencroft for six and a half years, retiring in 2001.  She had also worked as a caregiver for Jean Tom, which she enjoyed dearly.  She attended New Paris Missionary Church. She had many hobbies including gardening, quilting, sewing and crafting.  She enjoyed cooking for her family, playing games and putting puzzles together.  She was most proud of making a special quilt for each of her grandchildren and giving it to them when they graduated. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 19, at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday at New Paris Missionary Church. An 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 20, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at New Paris Missionary Church with Pastor David Hackney officiating. Burial will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Care at Home Hospice.